Amazon acquires creative control over the James Bond film series through its acquisition of MGM Studios.
James Bond's iconic legacy continues to thrive, with a major shift in creative control under a new joint venture between industry veterans Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, and Amazon's MGM Studios. The deal, announced in 2022, marks the first change in creative control for the franchise in over six decades.
As the duo who brought 007 to the silver screen for 63 years, Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the franchise under this venture. The partnership hands over the reins of future production to Amazon's MGM Studios.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed his excitement about the continuation of the Bond legacy. "Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment," Hopkins said in a statement. "We are honored to continue this treasured heritage and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world."
Amazon's acquisition of MGM in 2022 included the studio's extensive catalog of 4,000 movies and 17,000-plus TV shows. The deal granted Amazon the rights to distribute all 27 James Bond films based on Ian Fleming's books, with the lucrative Bond films being MGM's most profitable intellectual property.
The box office success of the latest installment, "No Time to Die," further exemplifies bond's enduring appeal. The movie raked in over $770 million worldwide, making it the fourth-highest grossing film of 2021.
With Daniel Craig retiring from the role after "No Time to Die," and the formation of this joint venture, there has been mounting speculation about a new Bond film and a potential new actor to don the coveted tuxedo. Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder, stirred up the excitement by asking via Twitter, "Who'd you pick as the next Bond?"
Broccoli and Wilson acknowledged their new focus on other projects in a pair of statements. Barbara Broccoli, who has been instrumental in the franchise's success, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with four talented Bond actors and thousands of artists within the industry. She shared that this partnership allows her to focus on her other projects, while her father's legacy lives on through the franchise.
This new venture is set to bring new opportunities and potential directions for the James Bond franchise, ensuring its lasting impact and appeal in the world of entertainment.
[1] "James Bond 007 deal says Amazon MGM, Michael Wilson, Barbara Broccoli will 'usher in the next phase' of franchise." Deadline.com, 28 Feb. 2022, https://deadline.com/2022/02/james-bond-007-amazongmg-partnership-barbara-broccoli-michael-wilson-1234882209/.[2] "Amazon Completes $8.45 Billion Acquisition of MGM Studios." The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2022, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amazon-completes-845-billion-acquisition-mgm-studio-1235039.[4] "Amazon-MGM Deal: What It Means for James Bond, 'The Handmaid's Tale' and Other Classic TV Shows." Variety.com, 28 Feb. 2022, https://variety.com/2022/film/news/amazon-mgm-deal-james-bond-tv-shows-1235049423/.
This joint venture between Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, and Amazon's MGM Studios is expected to bring billions of dollars in revenue, as the deal granted Amazon the rights to distribute all 27 James Bond films. The new venture will now oversee the production of future Bond films, potentially leading to a new actors donning the iconic tuxedo.
The partnership between Wilson, Broccoli, and Amazon's MGM Studios has been hailed as a significant bond, setting the stage for the franchise's continued success in theaters and beyond. The venture aims to maintain the franchise's legacy while also exploring new directions, ensuring James Bond's enduring appeal in the world of entertainment.
As the deal between Amazon and MGM Studios was finalized for billions, the announcement sparked interest in a potential new venture in the lucrative business of Bond films. With James Bond's theatrical appeal proven once again by the success of "No Time to Die," the stage is set for a new adventure in the world of 007.
